France to assist Oyo State in micro-finance enterprises

France has pledged its readiness to assist Oyo State in the provision of credit to small scale enterprises through the state’s micro-finance programme.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques De Labriolle, made the pledge when he paid a courtesy call to Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Dr Festus Adedayo, Special Adviser to Ajimobi on Media, the ambassador said France would offer assistance in the areas of health care delivery and agriculture to bring about economic prosperity and stability in the state.

He commended Ajimobi’s efforts at ensuring all-round development of the state through its various programmes and policies.

Responding, Ajimobi thanked France for playing major roles in the security of many countries including Nigeria.

According to the governor, no nation can achieve meaningful development without adequate security, hence the need to ensure the provision of adequate security at all times.

He said his administration would appreciate France’s contribution to the rehabilitation of water equipment to enhance supply of potable water to the people of Oyo State.

Ajimobi called for partnership with France in the state government’s micro-finance programme to boost trade, agriculture and other socio-economic activities.

He also said that the state government had concluded plans to designate some schools for teaching and learning of French Language.